For a group that has sounded so methodical for so long, this new, Tennessee Waltzy pace is nearly euphoric. Likewise, there’s a sonic sheen to “Fill Me With Your Light” that seems almost…polished. But beneath all of the unassuming hoopla is the same old song: the guys who come across as more down on themselves than anyone else have this strange power to make us feel a whole lot better about ourselves.
Deadstring Brothers
My friend Aram suggested the Deadstring Brothers for 3hive, and I think I know why. You see, Aram knows the oeuvre of Bob Dylan the way the rest of us know our birthday or the alphabet. I think, in the roots rock of the Deadstring Brothers, he hears a little tribute to Bob, or at least a recognition of the work of Bob’s son Jakob and his band, The Wallflowers. On the other hand, maybe he just thinks they’re a decent band. Either way, enjoy that pedal steel guitar slide in “27 Hours,” and thanks, Aram!
The Mary Janes
Janas Hoyt’s beguiling voice mirrors the sliding strings and pedal steel guitar so prevalent on these tracks from Flame, The Mary Janes’ second album. Not to give further life to a country music stereotype, but the title track, included below, really does seem like an ideal theme song for driving a pick-up.
Blue Mountain
The words “country,” “rock,” and “Mississippi” evoke Blue Mountain in my ears and mind. A foundational band from the early days of the alt-country scene, Blue Mountain gave a needed soundtrack to Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha County (they really were from Oxford, Miss.) while I was doing time in grad school. Check out “Riley and Spencer” here for a sample of their roots rock style, or their 1995 debut album Dog Days for a classic of the No Depression genre.
Whit Hill and the Postcards
Whit Hill and the Postcards’ smart — as in intelligent — style of country provides a nice reminder that there’s more going on in Detroit than garage rock, Kid Rock, and Eminem. (Well, Ann Arbor isn’t quite the big D, but it’s close enough, yeah? I guess maybe not.) Check out “Fifty Miles to Detroit” for a fine example of Hill’s sincere, worldly songwriting, or “Please Pass You” for a plain-old goofy lust song.
The Transmissionary Six
The Transmissionary Six’s arresting, gravel road narratives draw their power from Paul Austin’s measured licks and found-sound textures, and find life in Terri Moeller’s whispery twang of a voice. Each song packs such wonderful snapshot lyrics, it’s hard to pick favorites. But, given the season, you gotta like the opener to “Happy Landings”: “Put a wishbone in the window, dangle it on a string…”
Blanche
Like the soundtrack to an old-fashioned gothic western (is there such a thing?), Blanche songs are creepy, twangy, and very, very pretty. With sad banjo and moody vocals, these slow, ghostly country songs let the listener drift back to the days of pre-industrial America. You know, the good old days, before the electric light bulb illuminated the sneaking shape of the sly killer and cast his shadow across the barn door for the hapless victim to see.
Carla Bozulich
After recent events left me feeling a little, shall we say, agitated, I went searching for some cynical sounds to get me through Wednesday. What I found gave meaning to my gritted teeth: the singularly powerful Carla Bozulich careening through a nine-minute version of one of the greatest protest songs ever written — not to mention one of Dylan’s best songs, period. When Wednesday gave way to a cold, rainy Thursday, “Lonesome Roads” and the fabulous Willie Nelson cover “Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain” were just the nudge of strained melancholy I needed. Now that Friday’s here, the woman who channels Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, Tom Waits (there’s even a Waits cover here) and something nobody had heard until she wailed for herself, should help you make it through a long, lonely weekend. I know she’ll help me.
(P.S. There’s plenty more on her website from her many side projects — if you have the bandwidth, it’s worth your time.)
The Mendoza Line
I’ve spent the last three days down at 27th Street in Newport Beach, California. Hurricane Howard is much nicer than his East Coast cousin and is brewing up some great waves for us. So between too much sun, some really big waves, and helping a poor soul out of a rip current and onto shore, I’m beat. But 3hive knows no holidays and I’m happy to offer up four fine MP3s as the reality of 9 to 5, or another school year, sets in. If you enjoy The New Pornographers, Bob Dylan, and/or Mazzy Star, or any facsimile thereof, The Mendoza Line is sure to please your punch.
Inouk
A swirling mÈlange of sonically expansive country and shoegazing blues, or maybe just good-old roadhouse reverb. Whatever you want to call it, it’s music to these weary ears.